The group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1pm in the Wiesman Family Reception Room at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Contact our Library Specialist by email or phone (402) 334-6464.
November 15, 1979 marked the debut of the Jewish Federation Library Book Discussion Group, later renamed the “Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group.” In association with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Library, a group of dedicated women, including the late “library diva” Dorothy Kaplan z”l, began the club. It is believed that throughout the country this is the oldest Jewish book group in continuous existence. The group selects books with Jewish content and/or books written by Jewish authors which are designed to appeal to readers of different ages and tastes. With the diversity of topics – everything from poetry and mysteries to science fiction and biographies – and with occasional guest facilitators, including authors, today’s “Dorothy Kaplan Book Group” offers something for everyone. The group welcomes new members.
The Dorothy Kaplan Book Group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1pm in the Wiesman Family Reception Room at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. There is no cost to join and there is always an insightful exchange of observations, opinions and critiques during the group meetings.
Contact our Library Specialist by email or phone (402) 334-6464.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.
Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.
One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.
Feb | As Close to Us as Breathing by Elizabeth Poliner
Mar | We were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
May | You and Me and Us by Alison Hammer
Jun | The Yid: A Novel by Paul Goldberg
Jul | Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner
Aug | The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Sep | Queen for a Day by Maxine Rosaler
Nov | Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy by Anne Sebba
Jan | The Jew Store by Stella Suberman
Feb | Broadway Baby by Alan Shapiro
Mar | Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer
Apr | 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus (Film) by Steven Pressman
May | Snow in August by Peter Hamill
Jun | Lady in Gold by Anne-Marie O’Conner
Jul | Not Our Kind by Kitty Zeldis
Aug | The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom
Sep | The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
Oct | Intuition by Allegra Goodman
Nov | Ten Years Gone by Jonathan Dunsky
